Escondido’s Celina Graves went from teenage homelessness to owning a million-dollar home and hitting the Billboard charts with her single “Feels Like Magic.”

ESCONDIDO, Calif. — A San Diego singer who experienced homelessness as a teenager has transformed her life into one of remarkable success, purchasing a million-dollar home in Escondido and establishing herself as a rising pop star with chart-topping music.


Celina Graves reached the semifinals of America’s Got Talent in 2020, a pivotal moment that launched her career. Her latest single, “Feels Like Magic,” recently hit the Billboard charts, cementing her place in the music industry. The achievement represents a dramatic turnaround from her earlier struggles.

“You can create your life, you know when I was on America’s Got Talent I envisioned myself on that red X since season one and it happened,” said Graves.

The singer’s newfound success extends beyond her music career. A few months ago, she purchased her first home for a million dollars—a milestone that carries deep personal significance given her past.


“Never imagined myself having a pool in my backyard,” said Graves.

Her rise has also brought material rewards, including a convertible Corvette and a Rolex watch. “Yes, my first Rolex ever, it’s okay calm down, oh my gosh,” said Graves.

Despite accumulating over half a million social media followers, Graves maintains perspective on what truly matters. “What makes you a special unique human is not your follower count it’s not your bank account I think it’s who you are and how you treat others and that’s why I feel like I am in the position I am in right now,” said Graves.


For those struggling to achieve their own dreams, Graves offers an inspirational message rooted in her personal experience. “A lot of people they give up because they think it’s never going to happen to me. I am not going to be successful in this especially with music there are so many people trying to make it in the music industry and I haven’t not made it yet but I am at a point where I can live doing what I love to do without being a Chris Brown, without being an Alicia Keyes you can do that you got to find a way,” said Graves.

She recently booked her first headlining show in Buffalo, New York, continuing her expansion into new markets. For more information about her music, click here.